From small desert reptiles to marine life along the shore, Swakopmund’s coastal desert environment supports a range of unique and adaptable animals. While the main safari wildlife is found farther inland, there are still many species to see in and around Swakopmund through guided excursions and nature tours.
Small Desert Animals
“Living Desert Tours” focus on the fascinating small creatures that live in the dunes between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. These tours allow visitors to track and observe species specially adapted to survive in this dry habitat.
- Lizards and Geckos: Look out for dancing lizards, sand-swimming lizards, and web-footed geckos.
- Snakes: The desert is home to sidewinding snakes and the venomous Peringuey’s adder.
- Insects: The area is known for toktokkie beetles and several types of scorpions.
- Chameleons: With the help of guides, you can spot the Namaqua chameleon, which changes color to match its surroundings.
- Desert-Adapted Elephants: In the northern parts of the Namib Desert near Swakopmund, desert-adapted elephants can sometimes be found. These remarkable animals have learned to survive with very little water or vegetation.
- Larger Mammals: Other animals seen in the desert include oryx (gemsbok), springbok, and the shy brown hyena.
Marine Wildlife
- Cape Cross Seal Reserve: Located about 120 km north of Swakopmund, this reserve hosts one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape fur seals. Black-backed jackals are often seen scavenging nearby.
- Coastal Excursions: From nearby Walvis Bay, boat and catamaran tours offer the chance to see a variety of marine life.
- Dolphins: Bottlenose and Heaviside’s dolphins are frequently spotted in the coastal waters.
- Whales: Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate through the area between July and November.
- Sunfish and Turtles: The unusual ocean sunfish (Mola mola) and several turtle species can sometimes be seen offshore.
- National Marine Aquarium: Swakopmund is home to Namibia’s only aquarium, where visitors can view marine life from the Benguela Current, including rays, turtles, and many local fish species.
- Walvis Bay Lagoon: This important wetland area attracts thousands of flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and many other waterbirds.
- Coastal Mudflats: The shores near Swakopmund are also good places to spot wading birds such as the Chestnut-banded Plover and the endangered Damara Tern.
